Pittsburgh Guitars, Pittsburgh’s premier local guitar shop located in the historic South Side neighborhood, is celebrating its 45th anniversary on May 22, 2024. To mark the occasion in true local music shop fashion, Pittsburgh Guitars will be hosting specials, customer appreciation sales, and debuting a new t-shirt design.
Founded in 1979 by Carl Grefenstette, Pittsburgh Guitars was originally located in Pittsburgh’s Bloomfield neighborhood, moving to the South Side in 1986, and to its current location in 2006. On 11/11/2011, the business was sold to long-time employee and fellow guitar enthusiast, John Bechtold.
Grefenstette says, “I started this business because I love guitars. I love looking at them. I love playing them. And I love studying their history. I feel grateful that over these many decades, Pittsburgh Guitars has inspired multiple generations of players. And I am equally grateful that John has carried that legacy forward.”
“I started shopping at Pittsburgh Guitars when the shop first opened. I was in 9th grade! I was always in awe of the guitars on the walls.” says Bechtold. “Here I am 45 years later, now owner of the shop and still just love looking at guitars all day! I am honored to have been able to carry on the legacy of this shop and what Carl created. I love the community vibe that this shop has and really enjoy interacting with so many great friends and customers on a daily basis.”
Notable visitors to Pittsburgh Guitars include: Russell Crowe, Woody Harrelson, Nick Nolte Members of The Monkees, The Cult, Stone Temple Pilots, The Kinks, X, The Jayhawks, Cheap Trick, The Who, Social Distortion, Slipknot, The Fixx, Los Lobos, The Church, The Melvins, The Replacements, Nirvana, and more.
Today, Pittsburgh Guitars is known for its solid reputation of providing quality instruments, building lasting relationships with customers, and thriving as a music store run by musicians. To celebrate 45 years, Pittsburgh Guitars will host a customer appreciation sale, raffles, and other events from May 22-25, 2024. Details can be found at: https://www.facebook.com/pittsburghguitars
